The APO Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity
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Category: Capability Development
The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, successfully completed the third batch of the 2025 Productivity Challenge Workshop Series.
Held on 29 April 2025 at the DAP Building in Pasig City, Batch 3 brought together 26 participants from 12 government agencies, including Bicol University, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Department of the Interior and Local Government – Central Office and Isabela, Department of Trade and Industry – Bulaan Provincial Office, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, National Dairy Authority, National Electrification Administration, National Power Corporation, and the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care.
The workshop aimed to equip public-sector professionals with practical methods for diagnosing productivity challenges and to introduce tools that support the design of innovative, tailored solutions.
Learn more about the Productivity Challenge and explore its dynamic campaigns:
This article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/dap-advances-public-sector-innovation-with-third-batch-of-2025-productivity-challenge-workshop/
The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), hosted the Centers of Excellence (COE) Forum from April 9 to 11, 2025, in Parañaque City. Centered on the theme “Strengthening Platforms for Enhancing Productivity,” the three-day forum brought together COE leaders, policymakers, and international experts to exchange insights, share best practices, and showcase innovations in excellence management to advance productivity across the region.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary and APO Director for the Philippines, Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, and APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata delivered the opening remarks. Richard Clarke, President of Avenidor Consults in Canada, shared global productivity trends and performance strategies for COEs.
Key sessions included a presentation on global COE developments, a roundtable discussion among COE heads, and site visits to the DAP as COE on Public-Sector Productivity and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
The forum aimed to promote cross-country collaboration, enhance performance assessment strategies, and shape the strategic direction of COEs across the region. Participating COEs included:
COE on IT for Industry 4.0 – National Productivity Council, India
COE on Green Productivity – China Productivity Center, Republic of China
COE on Smart Manufacturing – China Productivity Center, Republic of China
COE on Climate-Smart Agriculture – National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Japan
COE on Public-Sector Productivity – Development Academy of the Philippines
Japan Productivity Center
Virtual University of Pakistan
National Productivity Organization, Pakistan
Commission for Standards, Metrology, and Quality of Vietnam (STAMEQ)
In her closing remarks, DAP Officer-in-Charge and Senior Vice President for Programs Magdalena L. Mendoza emphasized the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and sustaining excellence as a shared responsibility among Centers of Excellence. She thanked APO, partners, and organizers for contributing to the forum’s success. She highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to advancing productivity and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region. OIC Mendoza concluded by encouraging continued partnerships and affirmed that DAP will always be a home for future collaboration.
The event reaffirmed DAP’s strong commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among Centers of Excellence, with the shared goal of improving productivity and strengthening performance assessment strategies in various sectors throughout Asia.
The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the focal organization of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, successfully concluded the Upskilling Phase of the 2025 Development of Public-Sector Productivity Specialists Foundation Course (DPSPSFC) on March 28, 2025.
Held from March 24 to 28, the upskilling phase brought together public sector productivity champions from 11 national government agencies, attached agencies, state universities and colleges, and one local government unit. This intensive training is part of a multi-phase program that builds the capability of public sector professionals to design and implement productivity improvement initiatives in their respective institutions.
The DPSPS Foundation Course is one of DAP’s key interventions in support of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, aiming to enhance public sector performance.
A highlight of the week was the site visit and case presentation at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where participants learned about the SEC’s productivity initiatives—including Digital-All: IT’s Grin and Green, the Unified Company Database, and Sustaina-All: EMIL. The visit provided concrete insights on how digitalization and sustainability are being integrated into public sector operations.
To cap off the training, participants presented their Productivity Improvement Plans (PIPs) before their peers and course coaches—receiving feedback and direction as they move into the next phase, where they will pitch and pilot their initiatives within their agencies.
As the course progresses, participants are expected to apply their learning to help build a more agile, responsive, and innovative public sector.
The article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/public-sector-productivity-champions-complete-upskilling-phase-of-2025-dpsps-foundation-course/
The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the focal organization of the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, conducted the second batch of the 2025 Productivity Challenge Workshop Series on April 2, 2025, at the DAP Building in Pasig City.
A total of 28 participants from 10 government agencies took part in the workshop, which offered a hands-on learning experience on diagnosing productivity challenges and crafting innovative, context-specific solutions. Participants were guided through practical tools and approaches aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery in the public sector.
Discover more about the Productivity Challenge and explore its exciting campaigns:
The article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/dap-holds-second-leg-of-the-2025-productivity-challenge-workshop-series/
The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity, held a two-day webinar titled “SMART Work Design: Enhancing Employee Well-being for Improved Public-Sector Productivity” on March 19-20, 2025. The event, which drew over 1,200 participants, focused on innovative human resources practices to tackle evolving public sector challenges.
On the first day, Dr. Maria Vida Caparas, Human Resources Director at the Senate of the Philippines, introduced the SMART Work Design framework. She connected it to Hackman and Oldham’s Job Characteristics Model, illustrating how it strengthens employee engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction. Dr. Caparas shared practical approaches like job enrichment, rotation, and expansion to combat workplace issues such as disengagement and quiet quitting.
The second day featured Dr. Virgel Binghay, Professor and Director at the University of the Philippines’ Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness, School of Labor and Industrial Relations. He demonstrated how the application of the SMART Work Design can drive efficiency, autonomy, and meaningful work in government settings. Addressing barriers like bureaucratic resistance and resource limitations, Dr. Binghay recommended leadership support, data-driven advocacy, and incremental implementation. He also stressed the importance of process reorganization, cross-functional collaboration, and technology adaptation to drive innovation and improve public sector productivity.
The webinar equipped participants with strategies to boost employee well-being and organizational performance through SMART Work Design, underscoring DAP’s ongoing mission to cultivate innovation and productivity across the public sector.
The article is originally posted on : https://dap.edu.ph/dap-holds-webinar-on-smart-work-design-for-public-sector-productivity/
The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, successfully launched the first batch of the 2025 Productivity Challenge Workshop Series.
Held 18 March 2025 at the DAP Building in Pasig City, Batch 1 gathered 43 participants from 15 government agencies. The workshop is designed to equip participants with practical techniques for diagnosing productivity challenges and introduce tools to help craft innovative, tailored solutions for the public sector.
The article is originally poste on: https://dap.edu.ph/dap-kicks-off-2025-productivity-challenge-workshop-series/
Tarlac City, Philippines—The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization’s (APO) Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), conducted a five-day workshop titled “Strengthening the Public Service Value Chain” for the Department of Education (DepEd) – Region III leaders on January 20-24, 2025.
The workshop aimed to enhance productivity and improve service delivery by equipping participants with tools and strategies to optimize their public service value chain. Some 36 supervisors, division chiefs, and superintendents engaged in collaborative discussions and hands-on activities, focusing on value chain mapping, efficiency measurement, and the elimination of inefficiencies. The workshop was facilitated by COE-PSP Program Director Peter Dan Baon, culminating in the development of a comprehensive public service value chain for DepEd Region III.
In his message, DepEd Region III Officer-in-Charge Regional Director, Dr. Ronnie S. Mallari, CESO V, emphasized resilience, intellectual growth, and innovation as the cornerstones of productivity, urging participants to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
The workshop concluded with participants reflecting on their roles in enhancing education service delivery. Balanga City Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Maylene Minimo, EdD, highlighted the importance of accountability and timeliness in achieving organizational goals. Olongapo City OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Imelda Macaspac, PhD, shared how the workshop equipped her to guide her team in identifying inefficiencies that directly impact their goals. Chief Education Supervisor Amando Yutuc, PhD, emphasized the need to streamline processes within the Curriculum Implementation Division, a sentiment echoed by Human Resource Development Division Chief William Bacani, who underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving organizational objectives.
DAP President and CEO Majah-Leah V. Ravago, PhD, expressed her gratitude to the participants and encouraged them to apply their learnings in building a resilient and prosperous society. She reminded them of their critical roles in shaping Filipino learners, empowering communities, and creating meaningful impact.
This successful workshop highlights the strong partnership between DAP and DepEd and their shared commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in public service.
The article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/dap-empowers-deped-region-iii-leaders-to-strengthen-public-service-value-chain/
DAP President and CEO, Dr. Majah-Leah Ravago (Right), and DAP Center For Governance Vice President Imelda C. Caluen (Left) present an award to Engr. Jose Arnold M. Tan, PhD (Center), Former Deputy Executive Director Of The Bureau Of Local Government Finance (BLGF), following his presentation at the LGEMC 2nd Local Government Practitioners’ Learning Forum in Bataan.
The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) presented the results of a study on measuring the productivity of local revenue generation at the Local Government Executives and Managers Class’ 2nd Local Government Practitioners’ Learning Forum, held on July 13 in Bagac, Bataan.
Engr. Jose Arnold M. Tan, PhD, former deputy executive director of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), led the presentation, emphasizing the importance of measuring productivity in local revenue generation. This initiative, aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, underscores the commitment to improving governance and bureaucratic effectiveness.
Some 17 local government units (LGUs)—including six provinces, six cities, and five municipalities—participated in the study, providing a comprehensive overview of local revenue generation at the subnational level of the Philippine public sector.
The study aimed to estimate the productivity of selected LGUs from 2013 to 2022 by analyzing trends in revenue and expenditure, constructing productivity indices, and identifying factors influencing productivity. It sought to answer the question: How productive are LGUs in delivering public services, particularly through local revenue generation?
The proposed public-sector productivity (PSP) measurement framework was employed, generating Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and Partial Total Factor Productivity (PTFP) to assess the revenue generation productivity of LGUs. The framework considers the total revenue (excluding external sources) and total actual expenditures. Data was sourced from the Electronic Statement of Receipts and Expenditures (eSRE) collected by the BLGF from 2013 to 2022. Only the expenditures of offices involved in revenue-generating activities are included. Values were deflated to 2013 prices using GDP data from the Philippine Statistics Authority to ensure accuracy in comparing values over time.
The results provided a detailed view of trends in revenue and expenditure, productivity indices, and the impact of changes in output and input indices on productivity. The study highlighted the revenue and expenditure profiles of participating LGUs, offering valuable insights into local government performance regarding revenue generation.
The majority of the participating LGUs exhibited a pattern where they generated more outputs while utilizing relatively the same level of inputs, resulting in productive performance within the observed period. Several factors were identified as significant contributors to productivity, including legislative and policy interventions, enhanced revenue-generating activities, and adaptive responses during the pandemic. Initiatives such as the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), and streamlined business permit processes boosted productivity.
The challenges faced by LGUs, particularly during the pandemic, were also recognized. A reduced number of personnel and lower collections impacted productivity, but adaptive measures such as expanding payment methods and building digital platforms helped mitigate these effects.
Based on the findings, the study recommended collaboration with the BLGF to streamline data collection and adopt the PSP measurement framework across LGUs. It also proposed regular updates to local revenue ordinances and comprehensive annual assessments of revenue operations to optimize human resources utilization and enhance performance. Implementing these recommendations can be vital to optimizing resource use, improving service delivery, and validating agency performance.
This article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/dap-presents-study-on-measuring-productivity-of-local-revenue-generation-at-lgemc-forum/
The third virtual session of Productivity Insights, conducted by the Development Academy of the Philippines-Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity, showcased the transformative impact of the 5S workplace organization methodology on performance management within the Micro, Small, and Medium Size Enterprises Promotion Agency (MSMEPA) in Lao PDR. The 5S methodology comprises seiri (sort), seiton (set in order), seiso (shine), seiketsu (standardize), and shitsuke (sustain).
Held on June 13, 2024, the session had over 300 participants from various national and local government agencies and state universities. Dr. Malaykham Philaphone, director of the Technical Assistance Management Division at the MSME Promotion Fund under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, served as the resource person.
Dr. Philaphone discussed the challenges MSMEPA faced in the application process and grant approval timeline, including limited capacity and delays in receiving assistance. These issues prompted a collaborative approach among MSME-promoting organizations, government sectors, and business associations to find solutions.
She explained that, in addition to conducting training and capacity building, MSMEPA implemented the 5S methodology to streamline processes. This involved sorting and simplifying regulations, removing unnecessary documents, organizing through electronic services, enhancing transparency, standardizing practices, and implementing training programs. Beyond adopting 5S, the division used stakeholder feedback to refine processes further.
Dr. Philaphone emphasized the establishment of standard operating procedures and training programs to ensure consistency and efficiency in evaluating and approving grants. Continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms were also put in place to track the effectiveness of these reforms. She noted that the 5S methodology led to significant improvements, including a notable increase in application volume and a reduction in processing times, thereby providing MSMEs with quicker access to technical assistance funding and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, Dr. Philaphone highlighted the importance of understanding stakeholders, using data-driven approaches, recognizing knowledge gaps, and managing change in MSME support initiatives. She also addressed the need to manage transition issues and overcome resistance to change.
Productivity Insights is a series of sessions that share best practices from local participants and APO-member economies to enhance innovation and productivity in the public sector.
This article was originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/third-productivity-insights-showcases-5s-transformative-impact-on-lao-pdrs-msmepa/
The second session of Productivity Insights, held virtually on June 6, 2024, focused on Indonesia’s digital transformation in civil servant management. Hosted by the Development Academy of the Philippines as the focal organization of the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity, the event drew over 200 participants from various national and local government agencies, as well as state universities.
Dr. Samsul Hidayat, acting director for Civil Service Performance at the National Civil Service Agency in Indonesia, discussed the country’s efforts to integrate technology to address challenges within its civil service sector, which includes 630 local governments with diverse systems and obstacles. He emphasized the need for digital transformation to enhance governance and service delivery, and stressed the importance of shifting both both personal and organizational mindsets to adapt to the digital era.
Dr. Hidayat detailed significant improvements resulting from digital transformation, such as paperless processes, digital signatures, online tracking of service progres, and simplifying bureaucratic procedures. These advancements have led to faster service delivery, increased transparency and efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Despite these gains, Dr. Hidayat acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in system integration among local governments, and emphasized the need for continuous improvement in technology and the capacity of civil servants to utilize these systems effectively.
To support this, Dr. Hidayat highlighted ongoing collaboration with other ministries, especially in health and education, to further enhance service delivery. The focus is on sustaining and expanding digital initiatives to drive productivity improvements and better serve the Indonesian population in the next five years.
Productivity Insights is a series of knowledge and experience-sharing sessions that showcase best practices from local participants and APO-member economies to boost innovation and productivity in the public sector.
This article was originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/2nd-productivity-insights-session-highlights-indonesias-digital-transformation-in-civil-service/
